Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An apparatus of a station (STA) configured to operate in a wireless local area network (WLAN) that includes an access point (AP), the apparatus comprising: processing circuitry to decode a wireless frame from the AP that includes an interference-management parameter that is based on a predefined acceptable interference level for the WLAN and represents an interference-management condition, the STA associated with the AP; and processing circuitry to initiate spatial reuse operation based on a frame exchange with the AP, wherein the spatial reuse operation includes: determination of whether a first frame to be transmitted by the STA at an intended power level during transmission of a second frame by a remote device, satisfies the interference-management condition, wherein upon receipt of the second frame, the processing circuitry is configured to set a network allocation vector (NAV) of the STA for a duration of the second frame and determine if the second frame is associated with another WLAN that the STA is not associated with; and initiation of transmission by the STA of the first frame during the duration of the second frame without resetting the NAV, the transmission of the first frame being performed in a spatial-reuse mode of operation at the intended power level if the interference-management condition is satisfied and if the second frame is associated with another WLAN, wherein if the second frame is not associated with another WLAN, the processing circuitry inhibits transmission of the first frame until after the duration of the second frame.
This invention relates to wireless local area networks (WLANs) and addresses interference management in spatial reuse operations. The problem solved is ensuring efficient spectrum utilization while minimizing interference between overlapping WLANs. The apparatus is part of a station (STA) operating in a WLAN with an access point (AP). It includes processing circuitry to decode a wireless frame from the AP containing an interference-management parameter. This parameter is based on a predefined acceptable interference level and represents an interference-management condition for the WLAN. The apparatus also includes processing circuitry to initiate spatial reuse operations based on a frame exchange with the AP. During these operations, the STA determines whether a first frame to be transmitted at an intended power level can be sent while another device is transmitting a second frame. Upon receiving the second frame, the STA sets a network allocation vector (NAV) for the duration of the second frame and checks if the second frame belongs to a different WLAN. If the second frame is from another WLAN and the interference-management condition is satisfied, the STA transmits the first frame at the intended power level in spatial-reuse mode without resetting the NAV. If the second frame is from the same WLAN, the STA delays transmission until after the second frame completes. This approach optimizes spectrum usage by allowing concurrent transmissions when interference is acceptable.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuitry is to cause the STA to refrain from the transmission of the first frame in the spatial-reuse mode unless transmission of the first frame can be completed within the duration of the second frame.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to spatial reuse techniques in wireless local area networks (WLANs). The problem addressed is ensuring efficient and reliable spatial reuse in WLANs, where multiple stations (STAs) may attempt to transmit simultaneously in overlapping channels or spatial streams. The invention provides an apparatus for controlling frame transmission in a spatial-reuse mode to avoid collisions and improve network performance. The apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to manage frame transmissions by a station (STA). The circuitry determines whether a first frame can be transmitted in a spatial-reuse mode, where the STA shares the medium with another transmitting device. The key innovation is that the STA refrains from transmitting the first frame unless the entire transmission can be completed within the duration of a second frame being transmitted by another device. This ensures that the first frame does not interfere with the second frame, preventing collisions and improving spatial reuse efficiency. The apparatus may also include a transceiver for wireless communication and a memory for storing transmission parameters. The solution enhances spatial reuse by dynamically assessing transmission feasibility, reducing unnecessary interference, and optimizing medium utilization in dense WLAN environments. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple STAs operate in close proximity, such as in enterprise or high-density public Wi-Fi networks.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein in the spatial reuse operation, the processing circuitry to refrain from following a backoff procedure prior to initiation of the transmission of the first frame in the spatial-reuse mode of operation.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving spatial reuse in wireless networks to enhance efficiency and reduce latency. The problem addressed is the inefficiency caused by traditional backoff procedures, which delay transmissions even when spatial reuse conditions allow concurrent transmissions without interference. The apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to perform spatial reuse operations. In these operations, the circuitry transmits a first frame in a spatial-reuse mode, where the transmission occurs without following a backoff procedure. This eliminates unnecessary delays, allowing faster data transmission when spatial reuse conditions are met. The apparatus may also include a transceiver for wireless communication and a memory storing instructions for the processing circuitry. The spatial-reuse mode enables concurrent transmissions from multiple devices in the same frequency band, provided they are sufficiently separated to avoid interference. By skipping the backoff procedure, the apparatus reduces latency and improves throughput, particularly in dense network environments where spatial reuse is feasible. The invention is applicable to wireless standards like Wi-Fi, where spatial reuse techniques are increasingly important for optimizing network performance.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuitry to initiate spatial reuse operation is to cause the STA to initiate the spatial reuse operation based further on a received power level of the second frame being currently transmitted by the remote device.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving spatial reuse in wireless networks to enhance efficiency and reduce interference. The problem addressed is the need for a wireless station (STA) to determine whether to reuse the same frequency channel while another nearby device is transmitting, without causing excessive interference. The apparatus includes processing circuitry that enables spatial reuse by evaluating the received power level of a second frame being transmitted by a remote device. The circuitry initiates spatial reuse based on this power level, ensuring that the STA can transmit simultaneously without disrupting the remote device's communication. The apparatus also includes a transceiver for wireless communication and a memory for storing operational parameters. The processing circuitry further assesses the received power level to determine whether the remote device's transmission is strong enough to interfere with the STA's own communication. If the power level is below a certain threshold, the STA proceeds with spatial reuse, allowing concurrent transmissions. This mechanism improves network efficiency by maximizing channel utilization while minimizing interference. The invention is particularly useful in dense wireless environments where multiple devices operate on the same frequency, such as Wi-Fi networks in offices or public spaces. By dynamically adjusting spatial reuse based on real-time power measurements, the apparatus ensures reliable communication while optimizing throughput.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a memory; and at least one radio.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing the need for efficient data transmission and processing in devices with limited resources. The apparatus includes a processor configured to execute instructions for managing communication tasks, such as encoding, decoding, and error correction, to optimize performance in constrained environments. The processor may also handle scheduling and resource allocation to improve data throughput and reduce latency. Additionally, the apparatus includes a memory for storing data, instructions, and intermediate processing results, ensuring efficient operation under varying workloads. At least one radio is integrated to enable wireless communication, supporting multiple protocols and frequency bands to enhance compatibility and connectivity. The radio may include modulation and demodulation capabilities, along with signal processing features to maintain reliable communication links. The combination of these components allows the apparatus to function as a compact, high-performance communication device suitable for applications such as IoT, mobile computing, and embedded systems. The invention aims to improve energy efficiency, processing speed, and reliability in wireless communication scenarios.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: at least one antenna.
A wireless communication apparatus includes a signal processing unit configured to generate and process signals for transmission and reception. The apparatus further includes at least one antenna coupled to the signal processing unit to facilitate wireless communication. The signal processing unit may include modulation and demodulation circuitry to convert data into transmittable signals and vice versa. The antenna is designed to radiate or receive electromagnetic waves, enabling the apparatus to communicate with other devices over a wireless network. The apparatus may operate in various frequency bands, supporting different communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth. The inclusion of multiple antennas may enhance performance through techniques like beamforming or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) to improve signal quality and data throughput. The apparatus may be integrated into mobile devices, base stations, or other wireless communication systems to enable reliable data exchange in diverse environments. The design optimizes signal integrity and reduces interference, ensuring efficient wireless connectivity.
7. At least one non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed on a processor of a wireless station (STA) configured to operate in a wireless local area network (WLAN) that includes an access point (AP), cause the STA to: decode a wireless frame received from the AP, the frame including an interference-management parameter that is based on a predefined acceptable interference level for the WLAN and represents an interference-management condition, the STA associated with the AP; and initiate spatial reuse operation based on a frame exchange with the AP, wherein the spatial reuse operation includes: determination of whether a first frame to be transmitted by the STA at an intended power level during transmission of a second frame by a remote device, satisfies the interference-management condition, wherein upon receipt of the second frame, the processor is configured to set a network allocation vector (NAV) of the STA for a duration of the second frame and determine if the second frame is associated with another WLAN that the STA is not associated with; and initiation of transmission by the STA of the first frame during the duration of the second frame without resetting the NAV, the transmission of the first frame being performed in a spatial-reuse mode of operation at the intended power level if the interference-management condition is satisfied and if the second frame is associated with another WLAN, wherein if the second frame is not associated with another WLAN, the processor inhibits transmission of the first frame until after the duration of the second frame.
A wireless local area network (WLAN) system includes a wireless station (STA) and an access point (AP) that communicate using spatial reuse techniques to improve network efficiency. The system addresses the problem of interference between overlapping WLANs by allowing an STA to transmit data during the reception of a frame from a remote device, provided certain conditions are met. The AP provides an interference-management parameter in a wireless frame, which indicates an acceptable interference level for the WLAN. The STA decodes this parameter and uses it to determine whether to transmit a frame during the reception of another frame from a remote device. If the remote device's frame is from a different WLAN and the interference-management condition is satisfied, the STA transmits its frame at an intended power level without resetting the network allocation vector (NAV). If the remote device's frame is from the same WLAN, the STA refrains from transmitting until the remote device's transmission completes. This approach enables spatial reuse while minimizing interference, improving overall network throughput and efficiency.
8. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 7 , further comprising instructions to cause the STA to refrain from the transmission of the first frame in the spatial-reuse mode unless transmission of the first frame can be completed within the duration of the second frame.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for improving spatial reuse in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of wireless spectrum when a station (STA) attempts to transmit a frame in spatial-reuse mode, potentially causing interference with ongoing transmissions. The solution involves a mechanism to prevent a STA from transmitting a first frame in spatial-reuse mode unless the transmission can be completed within the duration of a second frame being received or transmitted by another device. This ensures that the first frame does not interfere with the second frame, improving overall network efficiency. The system includes a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the STA to determine the duration of the second frame and compare it to the required transmission time of the first frame. If the first frame cannot be fully transmitted within the second frame's duration, the STA refrains from transmitting it in spatial-reuse mode. This approach optimizes spectrum utilization by avoiding partial transmissions that could disrupt ongoing communications. The invention is particularly useful in dense wireless environments where multiple devices operate simultaneously.
9. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 8 , further comprising instructions to cause the STA to refrain from following a backoff procedure prior to initiation of the transmission of the first frame in the spatial-reuse mode of operation.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving spatial reuse in dense network environments where multiple stations (STAs) operate in close proximity. The problem addressed is the inefficiency caused by traditional backoff procedures, which force STAs to wait unnecessarily before transmitting, even when spatial reuse conditions allow concurrent transmissions without interference. The invention involves a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions for a station (STA) to operate in a spatial-reuse mode. In this mode, the STA transmits a first frame without performing a backoff procedure before initiation. This eliminates the delay typically imposed by backoff, allowing the STA to transmit immediately when spatial reuse conditions are met. The spatial-reuse mode is enabled based on determining that the STA can transmit without causing interference to other devices, such as by assessing signal strength, channel conditions, or other spatial reuse criteria. The invention also includes instructions to cause the STA to transmit a second frame in a non-spatial-reuse mode, where the STA follows a standard backoff procedure before transmission. This ensures compatibility with legacy systems while optimizing performance in spatial-reuse scenarios. The medium further includes instructions to switch between spatial-reuse and non-spatial-reuse modes based on network conditions, ensuring efficient use of available bandwidth. The overall solution enhances throughput and reduces latency in dense wireless networks by minimizing unnecessary delays during spatial reuse opportunities.
10. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 7 , wherein the instructions to cause the STA to initiate the spatial reuse operation are to cause the STA to initiate the spatial reuse operation based further on a received power level of the second frame being currently transmitted by the remote device.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for improving spatial reuse in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of wireless spectrum due to unnecessary interference avoidance, where devices avoid transmitting even when they could safely reuse the spectrum without causing interference. The invention involves a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions for a station (STA) in a wireless network. The STA monitors wireless transmissions from a remote device and determines whether to initiate a spatial reuse operation, allowing the STA to transmit simultaneously with the remote device without causing interference. The decision to reuse the spectrum is based on multiple factors, including the received power level of the second frame currently being transmitted by the remote device. By evaluating this power level, the STA can assess whether its own transmission would likely interfere with the remote device's communication. If the received power level is sufficiently low, the STA proceeds with spatial reuse, improving network efficiency by reducing unnecessary transmission delays. The instructions also include logic for the STA to adjust its transmission parameters, such as power or modulation scheme, to further minimize interference while enabling concurrent transmissions. This approach enhances overall network throughput by allowing multiple devices to share the same frequency band more effectively.
Unknown
October 1, 2019
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